Drumil Modi, Pune
Diesel has been the fuel of choice to power most ferries around the world which spew harmful emissions in the water bodies. This will not be the case with Sea Change, San Francisco’s hydrogen powered ferry, a quieter and cleaner way to zip around the bay.
The vessel finally launched on Friday, after being in development for six years. It is now the first commercial passenger ferry to be powered by sustainable and non polluting hydrogen fuel cells. It is a marvel because hydrogen fuel cell technology does not emit any toxic pollutants, it just emits heat and water vapour.
On the morning of 19th July city and state officials converged at the ferry terminal and climbed aboard to celebrate the public debut of the hydrogen powered vessel. From 19th July the ferry will start a six month pilot service functioning from Friday to Sunday.
Switch Maritime developed the Sea Change vessel with a grant of $3 million from the California Air Resources Board. California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday showed his trust in California, saying they are the global leader in our fight against global warming. He believes that the state is a pioneer in promoting clean energy and therefore a zero emission project like Sea Change is something that he was looking forward to.
Showed his trust in California, said they are the global leader in our fight against global warming. He believes that the state is a pioneer in promoting clean energy and therefore a zero emission project like Sea Change is something that he was looking forward to.
He also showed his support for The California Air Resources Board by saying, “I’m proud of our state’s role in advancing these innovations, and their ability to work seamlessly between public and private sector”
Ferries around the world rely on diesel powered engines, making this industry one of the largest emitters of toxins around the world. Ferries unusually operate in densely populated areas, exposing large numbers of people to harmful pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions.
Frank Wolak, CEO and president of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association believes that the only way to fight water pollution is to implement this technology to more ferries around the world. He believes this is the only way to reduce the carbon footprint on the ports. He does agree that such changes cannot happen overnight as it is a massive investment, but a necessary step that has to be taken.